John D. Solomon, 1963-2010

John Solomon, the life-affirming voice of this blog, died Monday, November 1, from complications following a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. He was 47.

To readers of this blog, this news is not only devastating but also shocking. We knew that John was struggling for the past two years, but it was sometimes easy to get the wrong idea about the seriousness of what he called “this pesky” condition. It’s not that John ever hid anything — on the contrary, he was refreshingly candid at all times (most notably here). It’s just that he was so consistently sanguine that his illness often seemed like more of an annoyance than a life-threatening event.

John is survived by his wife Abby, his two children Rebecca and Sara, his parents Ann and Richard, his brother Jimmy, and by his many friends and admirers. The funeral service will be Wednesday, November 3rd, 10:00 am at Temple Emanu-El, on Fifth Avenue at 65th Street. John left behind a charitable fund, The John D. Solomon Memorial Fund (â„… The New York Community Trust, 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022). He was particularly encouraging of blood donations and bone marrow donations. For those Â who don’t yet know: it is now amazingly easy and painless to give bone marrow. It’s basically just like giving blood (more about that here). Please consider honoring John by becoming a donor.

John was extraordinarily capable, and would have made a major contribution to any field. He loved his work in disaster preparedness, and felt that he was making a difference. He was. This blog was originally supposed to be a mere prelude to an important book about disaster policy, but it became a major work in its own right. I do not know whether John’s book will ever be published. But with his online work, and his memorable conversations with responders, policymakers, scientists, and journalists, he leaves behind a distinguished legacy of skepticism, curiosity, and a determination to make things right. I know his family is proud of his work, and plans to maintain this site as a resource.

There’s much more to learn about John and his giving life in this New York Times obituary. He was a terrific person doing important work, and it was my honor to know him.

- David Shenk

John Solomon, the life-affirming voice of this blog, died Monday, November 1, from complications following a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. He was 47.

To readers of this blog, this news is not only devastating but also shocking. We knew that John was struggling for the past two years, but it was sometimes easy to get the wrong idea about the seriousness of what he called “this pesky” condition. It’s not that John ever hid anything — on the contrary, he was refreshingly candid at all times (most notably here). It’s just that he was so consistently sanguine that his illness often seemed like more of an annoyance than a life-threatening event.

John is survived by his wife Abby, his two children Rebecca and Sara, his parents Ann and Richard, his brother Jimmy, and by his many friends and admirers. The funeral service will be Wednesday, November 3rd, 10:00 am at Temple Emanu-El, on Fifth Avenue at 65th Street. John left behind a charitable fund, The John D. Solomon Memorial Fund (â„… The New York Community Trust, 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022). He was particularly encouraging of blood and bone marrow donations. For those Â who don’t yet know: it is now amazingly easy and painless to give bone marrow. It’s basically just like giving blood (more about that here). Please consider honoring John by becoming a donor.

John was extraordinarily capable, and would have made a major contribution to any field. He loved his work in disaster preparedness, and felt that he was making a difference. He was. This blog was originally supposed to be a mere prelude to an important book about disaster policy, but it became a major work in its own right. I do not know whether John’s book will ever be published. But with his online work, and his memorable conversations with responders, policymakers, scientists, and journalists, he leaves behind a distinguished legacy of skepticism, curiosity, and a determination to make things right. I know his family is proud of his work, and plans to maintain this site as a resource.

There’s much more to learn about John and his giving life in this New York Times obituary. He was a terrific person doing important work, and it was my honor to know him.

14 responses so far ↓

We are so very sorry and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Solomon family and all his friends and followers of this blog. Solly was such a wonderful person and inspiration to anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him – whether online or in person. Bill and I “met” John thru phone and email, but he was an amazing, talented man. Again – our hearts go out to all of you and rest in peace Solly ~ you’ll be dearly missed. Bill & Janet Liebsch Tucson AZ

I knew John only through his blog. His focus was individual and family preparedness which is now newly in focus as an important area of concern. Hoping someone picks up the blog.

I am so very very sorry for his wife and daughters and family and close friends. This was a life truly rich in all its important elements.

The readers of his blog and me will miss his amazing grasp of all important issues that never will disappear but only can be dealt with by utilizing the same effort and skills John tried to and did bring to the subject. He was an amazing person and while never asking for it always appreciated his thanks for tidbits of EP items sent to him by me. He was important to me and I know important to all who knew him. Simply an amazing and wonderful person and thanks to the family for letting us share some time with him through the wonderful blogging he conducted. I am sure unknown people have had lives spared because of the knowledge he shared with all of US.

We at Ready Virginia will truly miss John “Solly” Solomon. He was a great supporter of our program and always brought keen insight into the policy and practicality of citizen preparedness. Our deepest sympathy to his family … and our thanks for sharing him with us.

John will be missed by all who shared his enduring passion for citizens preparedness. Thank you John for all you have done to make America a safer. healthier and more prepared.
Ralph Dutcher,
CERT Instructor
Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator.

I usually had some quick response to John’s posts, but this one is leaving my mind blank.

My condolences goes out to his family and loved ones.

I talked about John’s work many times at Ojai Valley CERT meetings, and was hopeful of our working relationship of offering the message of Emergency Preparedness to the present consciousness of everyone.

I was honored to know a man who really showed up in life in a big way.

This was a sentence from his last email to me — “I included you in this post about FEMA Head Fugate and CERT”. This is classic John — getting the word out, making connections, and not needing credit for anything.

As we approach the first anniversary of John’s untimely death given his age it bears witness that no blog has replaced what John was accomplishing. I am wrong in the conclusion blame my ignorance but would like to know of worth replacements.
Hope the family is doing well in surmounting their great loss.